CHO Directions and mandatory requirements

complete and submit to the Department of Health a COVID-19 safety plan checklist before reopening or resuming

make available/provide hand sanitiser to customers unless handwashing facilities are available

Display signage stating that a person should consider the following:

keeping 1.5m away from a person who is not a member of the person’s family, a friend or an acquaintance (a person not known to them);if it isn’t possible to keep 1.5m away from a person not known to them - keeping close contact to less than 15 minuteso practising hand hygiene by washing hands or using hand sanitisero staying home if feeling unwello downloading the COVIDSafe app.

The signs must be displayed in an area or areas that is open to the public and accessible to employees.

A business or organisation that has already submitted a COVID-19 safety plan checklist prior to 5 June 2020, does not need to submit another checklist.

The CHO’s directions are laws and it is an offence to contravene a direction of the CHO.

Physical distancing

during activities or religious services – arrange participants from different groups to be 1.5 metres apart from another group

prevent participants from crowding together at the beginning or at the end of activities or religious services

arrange seating so participants of different groups are not seated face to face

manage the entry and exit points of the business so that participants are not queuing at these points

display, at the entrance to the business, the number of participants that may be inside the business in order to maintain physical distancing

place signage around the business to remind staff, volunteers and participants to maintain hygiene practices and to go home if the participant or staff member is feeling unwell

place signage around the business to discourage participants crowding together in any one area of the business

encourage participants to remain 1.5 metres apart when moving through the business

if there are times where participants need to be closer than 1.5 metres apart, ensure the time spent in close contact is minimised with particular focus on minimising face-to-face close contact, which should be less than 15 minutes face to face.

Cleaning and disinfecting

During the pandemic, extra cleaning should be carried out throughout the business.

You should keep your place of business clean and sanitised by taking the following measures:

Maintain thorough cleaning and disinfection of facilities, and equipment.

Clean shared surfaces more frequently, at least twice a day. This could include door handles, bathrooms, service counters, handrails, armrests, and equipment.

If you think a surface may be contaminated, clean it with a common household disinfectant to kill the virus.

Increase cleaning regimes for all other areas within the business. Consider whether aspects of the Australian Government cleaning advice will add anything to your cleaning and disinfecting procedures.

When operating the Banned Drinkers Register, handling or contact of the customer’s photo ID should be minimised and regular cleaning of the scanner’s surfaces should occur.

Cleaning products

Use a disinfectant which the manufacturer claims can kill viruses.

Chlorine-based (bleach) disinfectants are one product which is suitable.

Read the label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution and usage.

Bleach solutions should be made fresh daily as they become less effective over time.

The recommended concentration of available chlorine for routine disinfection of cleaned surfaces is 1000ppm as this concentration has been shown to be effective against the majority of microbial pathogens.

Physical barriers

In certain situations, a physical barrier such as widening the counter can be used to help maintain physical distance between people.

Opaque or clear screen dividers of a suitable material that can be easily cleaned and disinfected can be used to create separation between people.

These barriers should be appropriately designed and installed and be a size that creates protection for the person, especially around the face area.

Rubbish disposal

The risk of transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) when handling waste is low.

Normal collection of waste for households, retail and other businesses continues.

When managing waste, the following hygiene practices should be followed:

disposable gloves, masks, and other items should be placed in rubbish bag before disposing of them with other domestic waste

hands should be washed with soap and running water or rubbed with hand sanitiser immediately after handling these items.

Payments

Promote cashless payments. However, if cash is exchanged, hands should be washed with soap and water, or use a hand sanitiser after handling money.

Communication

It is important to communicate your coronavirus (COVID-19) safety steps with customers/attendees.

Provide updates on social media or via emails and provide signage and information at venues.

Encourage all your staff, volunteers and customers/attendees to follow these guidelines in their daily life to keep our community safe.